Page 12 - SevenHills Angus 2021 Catalogue eBook

Angus Pure Index Description (API)

Genetic Selection of bulls using only the API tool will
New Zealand Angus AngusPure Index - Predicted Response on average over time develop a cow herd with the
following:
• Improved weaning rate through increased fertility
Expected Change in Individual Traits • Progeny will be prime at heavy carcase weights
and easier calving
• A slowly increasing cow weight/size, and milk
production

where the improved marbling and subsequent
eating quality traits can be expressed.

These characteristics are ideal for an environment
where the cow herd can be managed with extra feed
if seasonal feed deficits occur.

CEd CEm GL BW 200W 400W 600W MCW Milk SS DC Cwt EMA Rib Rump RBY IMF Checking individual EBVs relevant to your herd is
advised.

Above the 0 line (X axis) selects for more positive numbers and below the line selects for more
negative numbers. For some traits (e.g. growth), a positive response is desirable and for others (e.g.
days to calving), a negative response is desirable.

Indexes have changed

Angus New Zealand in the last year has reviewed and tween cows culled for various reasons. (e.g. cast for
updated their BreedObject Indexes. age, reproductive failure, poor condition, etc)
So, you can’t compare the indexes of bulls you have
purchased in previous years with these new indexes. Not Enhanced modelling of carcase market specifications
only has the economic information been updated and and values
new software utilized, in addition the bases have been
re-set. • This includes the ability to handle non-linear price
structures like beef schedules that penalize both too
The new software known as BreedObject Version 6 lean and too fat carcases, and/or those that penalise
allows for: under and overweight carcases.
• Improved modelling of young animals growth. This
includes separate modelling for each sex rather than AngusPure Index (API) – estimates the genetic differ-
assuming there is a fixed difference between them ences between animals in net profitability per cow joined
• Revised modeling for feed requirements for young in an example self-replacing commercial Angus herd that
animals and how this changes with body composi- targets the production of grass finished steers for the
tion/stages of growth. AngusPure programme. Steers are assumed marketed at
approximately 530kg live weight (290kg carcase weight
Improved modeling of cow weight and condition and 10mm fat depth) at approximately 20 months of age.
score throughout the year. This includes: Selected heifers are retained for breeding and the bal-
ance marketed at approximately 20 months weighing
• More advanced modelling of cow weight, and subse- 450kg (240kg carcase weight and 10mm fat depth). A
quently feed requirements, at times of the year when significant premium for cases quality was assumed and,
feed is in short supply and/or expensive. Typically in as some daughters are retained, maternal traits are also
New Zealand, this is during the winter when grass of importance.
growth slows or stops and cow feed requirements
are increasing due to cold and pregnancy All selection indexes are reported as an EBV, in units
• Inclusion of cow conditions score and production of net profit per cow matted ($) for a given production/
penalties for cows outside of optimum condition. market scenario. They reflect both the short term profit
(e.g. too lean or two fat, affecting milking ability and/ generated by a sire through the sale of his progeny, and
or fertility. the longer term profit generated by his daughters in a
• Revised methodology for valuing cows when culled. self-replacing cow herd (where applicable)
This allows for variation in sale weight and value be-
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